Maybe not for Charles Nolan, whose plane from New York was late arriving, but getting there was half the fun for the diamond-level clients of Saks Fifth Avenue Cherry Creek who’d been invited to dinner and a preview of Nolan’s fall collection at the Sculptured House in Genesee on Saturday night.
After parking their cars at the base of the hill on which the Sculptured House sits, deluxe coaches shuttled everyone to the party area. The buses were equipped with flat-screen TVs, a sound system, LED light displays, bottled water and soda.
Though not a sanctioned Democratic National Convention event, it did have a tie-in because Nolan’s longtime partner, author and investment authority Andrew Tobias, is treasurer of the Democratic National Committee. Tobias accompanied Nolan to the party.
Tobias, who has had three books on the New York Times best-seller list, shared that Nolan was both nervous and excited to present his latest line before such a chi-chi crowd.
“Sure, there’s some adreniline, but he knows what he’s doing and he loves making clothes. Women love wearing his designs and that’s his reward.”
As for the convention, Tobias recalled that he had been on the site advisory committee 10 years ago when Denver lost out to Los Angeles. “And, boy, since then Denver has worked its heart out to get (the confab) in 2008. It’ll be wonderful.”
Before excusing himself to help the models dress, Nolan said that while he has not designed anything specifically for Michelle Obama, he wouldn’t mind being asked. “I’ve not pushed because of Andy’s post with the party, but hopefully I’ll have an opportunity” to work with her, he said.
The event also had a charitable angle that began over a year ago when Sculptured House owner Michael Dunahay donated a party at it to a Denver Polo Club auction. Kay Cline, general manager of Saks Fifth Avenue Cherry Creek, and Cynthia Petrus, the store’s fashion director, were the high bidders.
After deciding on the date and the format, they talked Nolan and Ippolita Fine Jewelry not only into showcasing their merchandise, but joining them in donating a percentage from the evening’s sales to Denver Health’s Newborns in Need program.
Nolan, who apprenticed with Bill Blass and Christian Dior before joining Ellen Tracy in 1990, is considered responsible for saving the Anne Klein label from possible extinction, taking it from bankruptcy to $163 million profitability before starting his own company in 2004. Saks was the first to carry the Charles Nolan line; its debut at the flagship store in New York filled six windows along Fifth Avenue.
His current collection seems to combine some of the Ellen Tracy sensibility with edgy, yet wearable, elements. Kay Cline predicts it’ll do well in Denver. “It’s fun and fabulous,” she says.
Guests included Faye and the Hon. Daniel Kagan; he led a successful campaign to get Hillary Clinton’s name placed in nomination at the DNC and expects her to receive a minimum 500 votes, “but she’ll probably get a lot more.”
Also, Molly Doll; Ed and Karen Rosenthal; Joanie McGrath; Balfour Senior Living Communities president Michael and Susan Schonbrun (he’s also a member of the Obama finance committee); Terry and Dr. Elaine Scholes; Jim Kaiser; Mina Mercado; Jason and Sara Cooper; Cathy Rinker; and Devonne Marcove, director of the SFA Fifth Avenue Club.

Pictures taken at this event can be viewed at denverpost.com/seengallery

Denver Post Society Editor Joanne Davidson can be reached at 303-809-1314 or jdavidson@denverpost.com